What's New!

March/April Legislative Update

Bike-Walk Alliance of NH works with many State Committees to keep abreast of legislation that could affect bicyclists and pedestrians in our state.

SB-131:  Bicycles entering intersections, the “Idaho Stop”

A private citizen submitted this bill (originally LSR 21-0986) initially sponsored by Senator Gary Daniels. This provision, asking for a version of the “Idaho Stop” law to be incorporated in NH law, ultimately became incorporated into a 38-page omnibus bill called SB-131.  The Part 6 provision for “Bicyclists at intersections” was on page 29. Basically, bicyclists would treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as stop signs.  Bicyclists and motorists are expected to follow the same rules of the road today, while this proposal would allow cyclists to legally “roll through” stop signs and just pause at red lights if no traffic danger is perceived.  Of course, motorists and cyclists “roll through” stop signs all the time.  Motorists must stop and remain stopped at a red light until it changes to green, while this bill would allow cyclists to “almost stop” then continue to keep up momentum.

Five states have adopted the “Idaho stop” concept while it still involves much controversy here in NH, as well as may other states.

BWANH did reach out to bicyclists for their opinions on the matter through our Facebook page. Only two responses, in favor, were received. Members of the BWANH board had varying opinions, some opposed, some favored.

Currently, this provision has been removed from the large omnibus bill SB-131, and therefore, it appears at the moment that this provision will not move forward.

HB 268:  Bicycles Riding Against Traffic

This bill was submitted by a private citizen and generated immediate attention and opposition from the masses. BWANH received a storm of emails, phone calls, and social media comments on this bill. The bill proposes changing existing laws and requiring bicyclists to ride against the flow of motor vehicle traffic, in the opposite direction as motor vehicle traffic, and on the left side of the road. Huh?

BWANH immediately responded to this bill with phone calls to the many legislators we have long-standing relationships with, and informed them immediately why this bill had no merit. Frankly, as the statewide bike advocacy organization, we were surprised to learn that so many people had visibility into this bill. But apparently word spread quickly, most likely because it seems like such an absurd measure.

Rest assured that BWANH does monitor bills like this, anything that might affect bicyclists and pedestrians. The bill was officially killed, ITL’d or “inexpedient to legislate” is the technical term, and will not move forward. We appreciate the many folks who responded to the Action Alerts to contact legislators and share your opinions, always your right to do so. The fact that so many people contacted legislators on this particular bill allows our legislators to better understand just how many citizens out there are bicyclists.

HB-1182:  Commission to study on-road usage of non-traditional vehicles” is underway

At last check, the Commission formed in 2020 was still meeting with no findings publicly reported as yet.  BWANH submitted a letter opposing OHRV use on public roads and will continue to watch the progress of this Commission to keep roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

HB-311:  Committee to develop rail trail management best practices

This bill continues the efforts to develop rail trail management best practices.  A new committee within the House Resources, Recreation and Development Committee would review management practices to maintain rail trails to reduce or limit exposure of possible contaminants to users and trail abutters.  The bill passed the RR&D Committee with a 20-0 vote and is now with the Senate Transportation Committee.

If approved, the bill would require an interim report of findings and recommendations for proposed legislation by November 1, 2021.

WANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE NH LEGISLATIVE PROCESS WORKS?  Here is a primer to help you.   http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/misc/leg_process.htm